The richness of wine and the ‘French Paradox’

Question has been asked for quite some time :why do the French people who enjoy the finest things in life, have lower cardiovascular disease death rates compared to Americans or British who enjoy the same rich eating habits ?

The ‘French paradox’ appeared in early 1990’s with scientific evidence that drinking one to three glasses of wine per day can help reduce the risk of a cardiovascular attack by 3,5 even if we continue to consume as much saturated fat as the Americans. Why ? Antioxidants.

Polyphenols and more specifically delphinidin found in red wine activates the vasodilator effect leading to arteries width increase .

Red wine, specifically polyphenols, and in particular resveratrol is good for the heart. This ultra-protective substance is synthesized from plant products and offers remarkable qualities such as anti-aging and antioxidant properties.

Resveratrol decreases level of bad cholesterol and triglyceride often responsible for cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks.

It ensures integrity and elasticity of the blood vessels encouraging production of substances dilating them.

Ultimatetly it has anti inflammation and antioxidant properties protecting blood cells and slowing down premature aging.

Resveratrol has also a proven anticancer action that has proven both preventative and remedial effects.

However, research has shown that Frenchmen frequency of coronary disease stand in between Northern and Southern European countries. This demonstrates that the difference in death rates is more closely linked to eating habits rather than wine consumption.

However, it is evident that all of the studies’ findings maintain that moderate consommation of alcohol supports a J curve meaning preventative effects with a moderate amount and disastrous effects with an excessive amount. This J curve has been documentated and confirmed by numerous studies and shows that moderate consumption of alcohol can even protect against heart attacks as much as eating fruit and vegetables or exercising.

The secret is therefore to drink moderate quantities of wine at mealtimes to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Of course, this does not offer a substitute for a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

Here are the limits of moderate consumption as set by the WHO experts.

1 day of abstinence per week;

maximum 2 glasses per day for women;

maximum 3 glasses per day for men;

maximum 4 glasses at any one time.

If you do not want to consume alcohol due to religious reasons, pregnancy, sport restrictions or medical treatments then why should you miss of benefits that red wine offers ? Try the alcohol free Pierre Zéro range from Domaines Pierre Chavin.

Pierre Zéro red wine offers you all the benefits of a wine without the bad effects of alcohol thanks to an alcoholic fermentation that retains all of the positive effects of a traditional red wine such as polyphenols, tannins, resveratrol, minerals and other compounds with nutritional and anti-oxidative qualities. The unique dealcoholization process allows us to reach 0% alcohol while preserving the wine aromas.

The resveratrol level in Pierre Zéro red wines is much higher than in traditional Burgundy Pinot Noir red wines.

First the winemaking process and the maceration grapes during 3 weeks allow a good extraction of polyphenols and resveratrol.

Second the dealcoholisation process allow us to gather 20% of the beneficial elements of the wine.

The average level of resveratrol is 9,5 mg/l for Pierre 0% Red and 14 mg/l for Pierre 0% Red Grande Réserve compared to just 5.4 mg/l on average for traditional red wines.

Several studies have proved that consumption of a dealcoholized wine is even more efficient in preventing and fighting against cancer, inflammation and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.